Abercrombie and Kent has opened Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya, a new safari property overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro that combines wildlife viewing, wellness and community investment.

Abercrombie and Kent has opened Kitirua Plains Lodge, a new luxury safari property in southern Kenya that overlooks Mount Kilimanjaro and borders Amboseli National Park.

The 13-suite lodge is located on a 128-acre private concession within the Amboseli ecosystem, an area known for its large elephant herds, predators and birdlife. The opening also marks a return to the region where Geoffrey Kent, founder of Abercrombie and Kent, led his first safari guests in 1962, helping establish a model for modern luxury adventure travel.

Guests at Kitirua Plains Lodge have access to game drives across the conservancy and neighbouring national park, where wildlife includes elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo and giraffe. More than 400 bird species have also been recorded in the area. The lodge's location offers views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, which can be seen from the suites and communal areas.

Designed by Luxury Frontiers, the property moves away from the traditional canvas-tent safari style commonly found in East Africa. Instead, the architecture takes inspiration from Maasai approaches to living alongside nature. Curved forms mirror the surrounding landscape, while exterior plaster incorporates soil sourced directly from the site to help the buildings blend into their surroundings.

Accommodation comprises 11 one-bedroom suites and two two-bedroom suites. The one-bedroom suites measure 116 sqm and include indoor and outdoor showers, freestanding baths and private verandas. The larger family suites measure 242 sqm and feature shared living areas designed for groups travelling together.

Communal spaces include an Explorer's Lounge, a bar and dining area overlooking the plains and an infinity pool positioned within an existing wetland area. Dining is centred on seasonal ingredients sourced from Kenyan farms and markets, with changing menus and weekly outdoor braai dinners. As with all A&K Sanctuary properties, meals, beverages and premium spirits are included in the rate.

A notable feature of Kitirua Plains Lodge is its wellness offering, which has been developed with South African spa brand Healing Earth. Treatments draw on African botanicals and Maasai traditions. Signature experiences include the 120-minute Enkai Earth Blessing, which combines warm mineral water, wild herbs and massage techniques using a traditional African rungu stick. Facilities also include double treatment rooms, an outdoor yoga deck and a gym.

Sustainability measures have been integrated into the design and operation of the lodge. The property runs primarily on solar power supported by backup systems, while construction materials were sourced locally where possible. The lodge has also been developed in partnership with local Maasai communities, whose knowledge and stewardship have helped shape the surrounding landscape.

Community investment forms a key part of the project. Construction is currently underway on the Kitirua Nalepu Pre-School, developed in partnership with Luxury Frontiers. Scheduled for completion in August 2026, the first phase will include classrooms, a kitchen, dining facilities and sanitation infrastructure. The school will incorporate rainwater harvesting systems, natural ventilation and locally sourced building materials.

The project builds on wider initiatives led by A&K Philanthropy in the Amboseli region. Through its Safe Water for Schools Programme, the organisation has distributed 87 LifeStraw water filters to 20 schools, providing access to clean drinking water for more than 10,000 students. Additional filters have also been supplied to local healthcare facilities.

Kitirua Plains Lodge joins A&K Sanctuary's existing Kenyan properties, Olonana Lodge in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, creating a three-stop safari circuit spanning some of the country's most important wildlife regions.

"Kitirua Plains Lodge represents the future of A&K Sanctuary," says Vaco Baselli, senior vice president of A&K Sanctuary Operations. "While many people simply build in beautiful places, we are designing properties that belong to their landscape, that meaningfully invest in their communities, and that hold their own against the very best hotels in the world. Amboseli deserves nothing less, and the lodges we open next will reflect this same philosophy."

Kitirua Plains Lodge is now accepting reservations. Rates start from US$840 per person per night based on two people sharing and include meals, drinks, game drives, airstrip transfers, laundry and emergency medical evacuation.